Category: Top News Stories

TPWD News,–AUSTIN – The Texas Game Warden investigation known as “Ghost Deer” has reached a possible conclusion after two additional suspects turned themselves in on felony charges. This brings the total number of individuals implicated in the case to 24, with approximately 1,400 charges filed across 11 Texas counties.
(Editor’s Note: The TPWD’s “Ghost Deer” case involves a large-scale, illegal deer breeding and smuggling operation).
Suspects: In August, Ken Schlaudt, 64, of San Antonio, the owner of four deer breeding facilities and one release site, along with facility manager Bill Bowers, 55, of San Angelo, surrendered to the Travis County District Attorney’s Office on charges of…LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $36 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!

Click here to see who is pictured above

San Antonio developer, Fermin Rajunov, hands paperwork to City Public Works director Pete Sanchez during a presentation to the Devine City Council at their Aug. 19 meeting. (Photo by Anton Riecher) 

By Anton Riecher
San Antonio developer Fermin Rajunov met with the Devine City Council during its Aug. 19 meeting to discuss possible acquisition of 74 acres of city-owned property off Interstate 35 in south Devine.
“We love to do challenging properties,” he told the council.
City Manager David Jordan identified Rajunov as the developer behind the master plan housing community known as Preserve at Medina River located near the Toyota plant in south San Antonio. That development involves 500 to 800 homes, he said.
“We have an individual now who is a prospective developer who wants to look at the,”…LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $36 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!

By Kayleen Holder
Editor
A quick but strong burst of wind ripped through the community of Natalia this past Tuesday evening, August 19.
“There were trees and debris blown everywhere,” said Natalia PD Chief Martin Chavez. “Some said they saw funnel clouds–others said no–I am not sure on that, but it was severe enough to uproot some huge trees. It uprooted a Cottonwood tree near the intersection of 5th and Aubrey Streets that I believe was at least 45 years old and between 35-40 ft tall, as well as many others. Thankfully, it fell the opposite direction and not on the nearby house.”
And in times of need, a little light always shines through in communities like ours.
“What was really amazing is that while we were out there cleaning up debris I saw several groups of people who just brought out their chainsaws and went around helping neighbors in need. I wish I would have gotten their names, but they know who they are, and it was so nice to see that,” Chief Chavez said.

Click here to see who is pictured above.

The Servants MC of  Pearsall took a motorcycle ride last Sunday and presented $5,000 to the A-T Children’s Project in honor of sweet 7 year old Audrey Jane Capps at Devine Acres Farm. The “Servants MC” motorcycle club was founded in 2012 by Kevin LaBuhn of Pearsall, inspired by Bella Mazuca and her twin sister Yasmeen. They are a non-profit organization that raises money to fight childhood diseases and help children in need. The servants also blessed the Capps family with a gift card to cover gas for travel to medical/therapy appointments. It is people like this doing things like that which make the world go round,” said a family member. Photo by Kathleen Calame.

Seventeen members of the “Servants MC”, a motorcycle club from Pearsall took a Sunday drive to Devine to present 7 year old Audrey Jane Capps with a donation of $5,000 dollars for the A-T Children’s Project, which she is a member of.  The members visited with Audrey Jane and her little brother Kenneth Wayne, her parents Josh and Brittany Capps, Grandmother K.K. Calame, Aunt Kayleen Holder,  Aunt Emily and Uncle Ernie Morales family, friends Clint and Shelley Watson and the Shane and Chelsea Real family.

 One of Brittany’s best friends Chelsea, and occupational therapist,  met the president of The Servants MC recently and told him about the good the A-T Children’s Project does in trying to find a cure or treatment for Ataxia-Telangiectasia (A-T), a rare inherited and progressive disease,  and about Audrey’s diagnoses at age 3. 

Roger and the members and riders of Servants MC decided to give $5,000 to ATCP and a Children’s Hospital in SA this year. Servant MC members presenting the check Sunday were members Roger-President, Robert- VP,  Vicki-Secretary, Pati- Treasurer, Juan- Road Captain, Tim-Road Guard, Pete- Road Guard, and members Tommy, Melinda, Maria, Rosa, Ronnie, Emma, Brandee, Nancy, Troy, and Erica.

The servants visited with the families and enjoyed some cookies and cold water. Little 3 year old Kenneth Wayne got a ride on one of the motorcycles as did Chelsea! A Harley just might be in someone’s dreams now.

The members of The Servants MC have kept the club going after the loss of Kevin LaBuhn a few years back to illness. The club colors are Purple, White and Gray. Purple to represent Royalty, which is how these brave children should be treated. White to represent their innocence and Gray representing their battle against awful diseases.

By Anton Riecher
In one of two major initiatives pending on emergency response in Devine, the Medina County Emergency Services District No. 4 board of commissioners voted Friday to contract with Castroville-based MCESD No. 1 for local ambulance service, replacing Allegiance Mobile Health.
ESD4 board president Steve Smith said placing ambulance and fire protection under one command structure had become a continuing bone of contention for residents.
“Do we want to see those operations combined as a community or do we want to leave it as is?” he said
On a motion by board treasurer Patrick DuBose, the ESD4 board approved the new contract with ESD1 by a 2-1 vote with one-time board president Anthony Martin voting against the move. Current board president Steve Smith abstained from the vote.
Of the three proposals for ambulance service under consideration, the lowest was Allegiance maintaining its current cost at $212,000 annually. The ESD1 proposal asks for $250,000 a year, not including costs specific to combining ESD 2 and 4 operations under joint administration.
Merging ESD 2 and 4 operations under the administration of a battalion chief serving directly beneath ESD1 Chief Clint Cooke involves an estimated cost of $110,000 annually.
A third proposition submitted by Hondo-based Community EMS doubled the…LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $36 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!

Mickey Myers is organizing a Burger in a Bag fundraiser to benefit those affected by the horrific flooding in the Hill Country.
The burgers with trimmings, chips and bottle of water or soda will be $9. It will be held August 23 at 3 pm until sold out.
Fundraiser organizers at Foxy’s Bar are looking for donations of silent auction items, raffle items, burgers, chips, sodas, brown bags, and to go boxes. Message the Foxy’s Facebook page or come by to donate or to sign up to help.
Specifically this fundraiser will benefit the Together for Texas charity whose mission can be seen at the following link: https://give.salvationarmytexas.org/campaign/703236/donate

The City of Devine hired Cassandra Maldonado as the new Municipal Court Clerk. Maldonado worked for the City of Devine from 2015 to 2020 before crossing the creek and taking a job at the City of Hondo. Welcome back Cassandra!
“I was raised in Devine, attended Devine ISD and graduated top 10% in 2004. In 2019, I graduated Cum Laude from Sam Houston State University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice, “ said Cassandra Maldonado.
“I have 19 years of City Government experience most of that being in the Municipal Court Department, however, I also have extensive knowledge of Utilities, Finance and Administration departments as well.
“I have a track record of success, and am poised to continue contributing to organizational success and efficiency as a dedicated Court Administrator for the City of Devine,” said Maldonado.

The City of Devine announced the hiring of Sophia Benavidez as the new Finance Director. Benavidez is originally from Del Rio, Texas.
“Sofia resides in Devine, and brings a unique skill set with banking, business, and nonprofit organization experience. She will be trained and mentored by a certified Government Finance Officer that has over 30 years municipal finance experience.  We are excited to add Sofia to our team!,” said David Jordan, City Administrator.
“I bring an extensive background in banking, financial services, and business management, with a strong foundation in strategic planning, fiscal oversight, and operational leadership,” said Benavidez.
“Prior to this new role, I had the privilege of serving our community through my work with the Devine Volunteer Fire Department, where I supported both administrative and financial operations. This new chapter is more than a professional milestone—it’s an opportunity to continue serving the city with transparency, accountability, and a long-term vision for financial health. I’m honored to be part of Devine’s future,” Benavidez said.